[18:37] Cara Wasden, a member of Toast of Petaluma Toastmasters in California, was diagnosed in high school with Tourette syndrome, a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary movements and sounds called tics. In this short interview, Cara scratches the surface of what it’s like to live with Tourette’s‚Äîevery individual with this disorder lives with a variety of symptoms‚Äîand shares her experiences participating in speech contests and serving as a nature guide for students.&nb. . . See the complete description at http://www.dowellwebtools.com/tools/bg/Bo/tmpodcast

[14:00] Andy Weissmann, ACB, ALB, competed on the American TV game show Wheel of Fortune, in which individuals vie for prizes by solving word puzzles. Andy talks about the show’s application process, what the taping was like, and how he did. He also discusses how Toastmasters helped prepare him for the spotlight. See the complete description at http://www.dowellwebtools.com/tools/bg/Bo/tmpodcast

[21:30] Caren S. Neile, Ph.D., ATMS, explores differences between men’s and women’s communication styles. Being aware of the differences is beneficial for men and women, because they can employ the best of both styles, adapting their speech patterns to specific situations and audiences. See the complete description at http://www.dowellwebtools.com/tools/bg/Bo/tmpodcast

[24:50] Ruth Nasrullah, ACB, ALB, shares information about eye contact and expressive body language. She provides tips on how to communicate effectively with your eyes, and explains the differing cultural attitudes regarding the issue of eye contact. See the complete description at http://www.dowellwebtools.com/tools/bg/Bo/tmpodcast

[24:50] As the world changes, Toastmasters International is changing with it. That means offering more and better opportunities to grow and learn. Toward that end, the organization has exciting news to share: After much thought, research and analysis, Toastmasters is revitalizing its education program.The new program, which is expected to debut in the second half of 2014, is one of the most significant Toastmasters projects in recent memory. It will offer a clearer path for education awards, pro. . . See the complete description at http://www.dowellwebtools.com/tools/bg/Bo/tmpodcast

[21:55] George Yen, DTM, of Taipei, Taiwan, is Chairman of the Board of Great Sequoia Corporation, an international management and trading company based in Taipei, Taiwan. He also serves as the chief executive officer of four international joint ventures. He speaks four languages and holds a master’s degree in international relations from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.A dedicated Toastmaster for 24 years, Yen is a member of four Toastmasters clubs. He has held . . . See the complete description at http://www.dowellwebtools.com/tools/bg/Bo/tmpodcast

[22:30] Looking for good speaking opportunities? Many such opportunities exist at college alumni events. Jennifer Cunningham, an expert on the topic, says alumni officials are often looking for speakers to share their insights and professional knowledge with recent college graduates. Cunningham is Cornell University’s Senior Director of Metrics and Marketing in the Office of Alumni Affairs, which produces or supports 1,400 events per year around the world. See the complete description at http://www.dowellwebtools.com/tools/bg/Bo/tmpodcast

[31:45] Sheryl Roush, Erica Dhawan, Dr. Hassan Tetteh and Judy Carter are among 11 speakers who will present education sessions at this year’s Toastmasters International Convention, held August 21--24 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The presenters will offer tips and strategies related to leadership- and communication-themed topics.Sheryl Roush, DTM, PDG, AS, is a trainer, keynote presenter, speaking coach and author. As president and CEO of Sparkle Presentations, Inc., based in San Diego, Calif. . . See the complete description at http://www.dowellwebtools.com/tools/bg/Bo/tmpodcast

[25:40] Toastmasters International has named Susan Cain its 2013 Golden Gavel recipient. Cain is an author and celebrated speaker who is an expert on introverts. Her book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, was a New York Times best-seller in 2012 and has been translated into more than 30 languages. “The Power of Introverts,” her talk at the TED2012 conference in Long Beach, California, has generated more than 4 million views and was named by Bill Gate. . . See the complete description at http://www.dowellwebtools.com/tools/bg/Bo/tmpodcast

[42:25] Entrepreneur Sam Davidson; humorist and raconteur Conor Cunneen, DTM, AS; CEO and former Major League Baseball player Kent Maggard; 2013 Keynote Speaker Roger Love, one of the world’s leading authorities on voice and a voice coach for the stars of the mega-hit television show Glee; and Ed Tate, CSP and 2000 World Champion of Public Speaking, offer a sneak preview of the presentations they will deliver at the International Convention in August, in Cincinnati, Ohio. The convention&rs. . . See the complete description at http://www.dowellwebtools.com/tools/bg/Bo/tmpodcast